t a book or something. I'd just like to know what Miss Leece was
doing here at that time of day."

"She came here to meet me on business," answered Miss Thompson. "That is
why she knows something of the unfortunate affair. She was with me when
I found my desk had been broken open and the papers disturbed. She also
heard the other door slam and it was then she told me of having seen
Anne wandering about the building for which, as you say, there might
have been a dozen reasons; I believe, as firmly as you do, that the
child is incapable of cheating, and I intend to leave no stone unturned
to get at the truth. But there is still another fact against Anne that
is very black." The speaker took from a drawer a slip of folded paper.
"This was found in the building," she continued, "and since it was an
open letter, without address and under the circumstances, so important,
it was read and the contents reported to me. I have since read it myself
and I now ask you to read it."

DEAR ANNE:

I must have one hundred dollars at once, or go somewhere for a long
time. I foolishly signed a friend's name to a slip of paper. I
didn't know he would be so hard, but he threatens to prosecute
unless I pay up before the end of next week. I know you have rich
friends. I have been hearing of your successes. Perhaps the old
lady, Mrs. G., will oblige you. I trust to your good sense to see
that the hundred must be forthcoming, or it will mean disgrace for
us all.

Your father,

J. P.

Grace limply held the letter in one hand.

"Oh, poor, poor Anne!" she groaned, wiping away the tears that had
welled up into her eyes and were running down her cheeks.

"I feel just as you do, my child," went on Miss Thompson. "I am deeply,
bitterly sorry for this unfortunate child. But you will agree with me
that she has had a very strong motive for winning the prize."

Grace nodded mutely.

"By the way," she asked presently, when she had calmed herself, "who was
it that found the letter?"

"Miss Leece again," replied Miss Thompson, hesitatingly.

"There, you see," exclaimed Grace excitedly, "that woman is determined
to ruin Anne before the close of school. I tell you, I won't believe
Anne is guilty. It has taken just this much to make me certain that she
is entirely innocent. Is there no clue whatever to the person who copied
the papers?"

"Yes," answered Miss Thompson, "there is. This had been